Pedestrian fatalities and injuries are rising every year, both nationwide and in Maine. A major factor is the increase in pedestrian accidents involving larger vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks. In response, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed new measures to reduce these accidents and keep pedestrians safer on the road.
“We have a crisis of roadway deaths, and it’s even worse among vulnerable road users like pedestrians,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman said in the statement published by the Portland Press Herald.
Why SUVs and pickup trucks cause more pedestrian accidents
Larger vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks are more likely to cause serious or fatal pedestrian accidents for three key reasons, according to the NHTSA:
- Height: Taller vehicles, such as SUVs and pickups, strike pedestrians higher in the torso, pushing them forward and down, which leads to more severe injuries. An IIHS study found that vehicles with a hood height over 40 inches are 45% more likely to cause fatal pedestrian accidents than those with a hood height under 30 inches.
- Weight: Heavier vehicles, like SUVs, pickups, and vans, deliver more force in a crash. This added weight increases the severity of injuries or the likelihood of death when these vehicles hit a pedestrian.
- Design: The blunt hood design of many SUVs and pickup trucks contributes to more pedestrian fatalities. According to the IIHS, these vehicles cause 26% more pedestrian deaths than those with rounder hoods.
Proposed changes to prevent pedestrian accidents
The NHTSA has recently recommended new testing standards for SUVs and pickup trucks, striving to prioritize pedestrian safety during vehicle design. These changes are intended to ensure that future vehicles are built not only to protect those inside but also pedestrians outside.
“This proposed rule will ensure that vehicles will be designed to protect those inside and outside from serious injury or death,” said Shulman of the NHTSA. “We will continue to work to make our roads safer for everyone and help protect vulnerable road users.”
What are other common causes of pedestrian accidents?
In addition to the design of larger vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks, several other factors frequently contribute to pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Speeding drivers: Drivers who exceed speed limits often fail to slow down in time, hitting pedestrians in crosswalks or while walking alongside the road. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of injuries in a crash.
- Distracted drivers: With smartphones and in-car technology, distracted driving has become a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who are texting, using GPS, or otherwise not focused on the road are far less likely to notice pedestrians until it’s too late.
- Impaired drivers: Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time, making it more likely they will run red lights, fail to stop, or otherwise cause pedestrian accidents. Impaired drivers pose a significant danger to everyone on the road, especially pedestrians.
- Aggressive drivers: Drivers who don’t yield to pedestrians, cut through crosswalks, or make risky maneuvers without regard for people on foot can easily cause accidents. Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating or speeding through busy areas can lead to tragic consequences.
- Failure to yield at crosswalks: Many pedestrian accidents happen when drivers don’t stop or yield to pedestrians who have the right of way. This is particularly common at intersections and marked crosswalks, where drivers should be more attentive.
- Left-turn accidents: Drivers making left turns at intersections often fail to see pedestrians crossing the street, especially when they’re focused on oncoming traffic. This is a common cause of pedestrian injuries in busy urban areas.
- Poor visibility: Pedestrians are especially vulnerable at night or in poorly lit areas where drivers may struggle to see them. Lack of proper street lighting or bad weather conditions like rain or fog can significantly increase the risk of accidents.
How bad are pedestrian accidents nationwide?
Pedestrian deaths have surged to alarming levels in recent years, prompting the NHTSA to propose new safety regulations. In 2022, pedestrian fatalities reached a tragic record high, with 7,522 pedestrians losing their lives in vehicle-related accidents, according to the IIHS. This marks the deadliest year for pedestrians since 1981, with fatalities steadily increasing nearly every year over the past four decades.
Are pedestrian accidents a problem in Maine?
Absolutely. In fact, 2022 was the worst year for pedestrian fatalities in Maine in at least a decade. According to the NHTSA, 21 pedestrians lost their lives in Maine that year—almost double the 11 fatalities recorded in 2013. This staggering 90% increase highlights the growing danger pedestrians face on Maine’s roads.
Pedestrian accident lawyers fighting for injured Mainers
Pedestrian accidents in Portland or other Maine towns might seem straightforward, but they often become complex legal battles. With serious injuries at stake, insurance companies will try to minimize payouts, making it harder for victims to get the compensation they deserve.
That’s where an experienced Maine pedestrian accident lawyer from Jabar LaLiberty, LLC comes in. We’ve handled these cases for years and know how to navigate the challenges to get results. For example, our track record includes a $400,000 settlement for a pedestrian hit in a crosswalk.
Ready to explore your legal options? Contact us today for a free consultation. We have two offices conveniently located in Portland and Waterville, Maine.